Mary Poppins Returns

Mary Poppins Returns is an enchanting adventure film that continues the legacy of the original Mary Poppins movie. Released in 2018 and directed by Rob Marshall, the film is regaled as a sequence to one of Disney's most beloved classics. With a stellar cast that includes Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, and others, the film is a heartwarming blend of music, imagination, and magic, with design choices that beautifully pay tribute to its timeless predecessor.

The story is set in the 1930s, two decades after the events of the first film. It begins with London facing an economic downturn, cleverly referred to as the "Great Slump". The now grown-up Banks siblings, Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane (Emily Mortimer), are the focus of this tale. Michael, a widower, is struggling to manage his family's bank, his three adorable children, and a looming crisis that threatens their family home on Cherry Tree Lane.

Enter Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt), the legendary, magical nanny. She swoops down from the sky, dazzling not only the three Banks children, Annabel, John, and Georgie, but the audience too. Taking her role quite seriously, she epitomizes the universe where cordiality meets absurdity.

Emily Blunt brilliantly steps into the shoes of Julie Andrews, capturing Mary Poppins' charm, grace, and sense of mystery while adding her own distinct touch to the character. Her portrayal does Justice to Mary Poppins' persona as she embodies the charismatic yet stern character who challenges the children and brings order amidst chaos using her magical methods.

The film incorporates the street lamplighter Jack (Lin Manuel Miranda), a former apprentice to Bert. Excitingly mirroring Dick Van Dyke's original chimney-sweep character, Miranda plays Jack with infectious energy, while also providing a romantic subplot with Jane Banks. His interactions with Blunt show their character relationship beautifully, creating a magical chemistry on screen.

The musical numbers are another key factor in the movie's charm. A collection of all-original musical pieces by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman can be heard including catchy songs, slow ballads and big ensemble numbers. While the tracks are certainly newer, the essence of the original's film score is wonderfully embedded within. “The Place Where Lost Things Go" song, sung by Emily Blunt, is a touching tribute to the banks' late mother and an emotional core of the movie.

The movie doesn't miss out on the iconic animation-live action hybrid sequences, either. It manages to have a throwback to the original as Mary, Jack, and the children embark on animated adventures suggested by their surroundings. As colorful characters in a Royal Doulton china bowl or facing a cartoon villain in an upside-down music hall, these sequences pay homage to the original film's penguin dance in their unique way.

The movie's narrative is a delicate mix of nostalgia and newness. Crucial themes of loss, despair, hope, and cherishing inner child-like wonder are successfully portrayed. However, woven into these slightly somber themes are the lively attributes of spontaneous adventures, magical makeovers, and fantastical occurrences that bring about laughter and joy to its audience.

Still, it's the inexplicable appeal of Mary Poppins herself—the way she teaches life's most crucial lessons using songs, adventures, and a dash of magic that forms the essence of the story. Underneath all the elaborate song-and-dance numbers, the signature blend of live-action, and the stunning performances, the film carries a message that resonates with every viewer - young and old. At its heart, Mary Poppins Returns is an exquisite reminder about the power of viewing the world with a child’s sense of awe and wonder.

The magic that radiates from Mary Poppins Returns makes it feel like a homecoming for longtime fans, and a delightful introduction for those who are encountering the magical nanny for the first time. Immaculately recreating the charm of the original while also standing independently as a sequel, Mary Poppins Returns is a triumph of immeasurable proportions. Indeed, it is a joyful, timeless tale that splendidly celebrates the spirit of its iconic predecessor.